September 25, 2012

Presidential Candidates Both Address Importance of Foreign Assistance and Development

President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney Speak at Clinton Global Initiative

Washington, DC —USGLC Executive Director Liz Schrayer released this statement today on Governor Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama addressing the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting:

“We are pleased to see President Obama and Governor Romney both talking today about the importance of American global leadership in the world and the role of development and diplomacy to advance our national interests.  While they have differing views on many issues on foreign policy, they both embrace the importance of effective foreign assistance to advance our security and economic interests in today’s complex world.

“Governor Romney laid out his new vision for foreign assistance, reinforcing the importance of aid for humanitarian and strategic interests and enhancing economic prosperity.  In an election year when differences take the spotlight, we welcome the bipartisan agreement that surrounds this issue.

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.

###